The increase of tourism flows and its impact on th e e nvironme nt (case st ud y: Sharm El Sheikh )

Abstract

Tourism is probably the best example among human activities in which the linkages between environmental quality and economic prospects are evident. However, tourism has direct and indirect effects on the environmental resources. Sharrn El Shiekh is considered a new and modem city. it has a lot of natural resources which make it a very attractive destination such as coral reefs, long beaches, landscapes, in addition to a lot of rare flora and fauna. Tourism development in this area may cause various kinds of environmental degradation. The research aims to study the negative impacts of tourism on the natural resources in Sharrn El Shiekh. 120 questionnaire forms were distributed to foreign tourists in Sharrn El Shiekh area in Novembert 2001 to measure their environmental awareness and take their observations and suggestions into account when making sustainable tourism development in the area. Two visits were conducted to the city (January 1999 ande November 2001) to collect data concerning the impact of tourist activities which may threat natural resources and Ecotourism in the area. Also, personal interviews were executed with executives holding higher managerial positions in the Egyptian Environmental Affaires Agency (EEAA). These interviews aimed to identify the impacts of tourist sctivities and the role of EEAA to decrease hese impactrs. The research stated that there is a real threat by tourist activities in the area such as reef degradation and beaches pollution. Based on the results of the study some recommendations were suggested such as increase tourist environmental awareness through the different forms of media and activiting the cooperation of the government, public and private sectors for applying the Environmental Management System (EMS) in the area.